Family characteristics, perceived environment for physical activity, and childhood obesity: An approach with structural equation models.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the direct and indirect effects of family characteristics and the perceived neighborhood environment on obesity risks among schoolchildren.

METHODS

Through phone contact with the child's mothers/guardians, the perceptions about the aspects of the neighborhood that could limit or promote health. Physical activity, socioeconomic data, self-reported weight and height, and ultra-processed consumption of the respondents were evaluated, in addition to the screen time of both mothers and children. A hybrid model of structural equations was used to test the direct and indirect effects of family and environmental variables on childhood obesity.

SETTING

Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

SUBJECTS

A total of 322 children from 9 to 10 years old from municipal schools and their respective mothers/guardians.

RESULTS

Childhood obesity was positively associated with obesity among mothers/guardians and with the latent variable "socioeconomic status (SES)." It was observed that the child's guardians positively influenced childhood obesity through their own habits, such as screen time and consumption of ultra-processed products, with obesity of mothers/guardians as mediators of both associations. There were no direct and indirect effects of the latent variables of the perceived environment in childhood obesity.

CONCLUSION

Family characteristics are important determinants of childhood obesity and should be considered when designing prevention strategies. Parental perceptions of neighborhood characteristics did not have an influence on childhood obesity.